In a remarkable display of community courage, local villagers and a health worker became first responders to a small aircraft that made a forced landing in a field in Odisha's Sundargarh district. Their swift actions on Saturday afternoon were instrumental in saving the lives of all six people on board, including two pilots and four passengers.
The Moment of Impact and Immediate Response
The incident occurred around 1:20 pm on Saturday in Kainser village, near Rourkela. Shankar Lohar, a 59-year-old resident of nearby Gadiatola, was the first to react. "I was at home when I heard a loud sound," he recounted. "I rushed out and saw the plane in the field. I ran towards it immediately." His younger brother, Shiv Lohar, and several other youths from Gadiatola and Kainser villages quickly joined him at the crash site.
Upon reaching the damaged aircraft, they found a scene of distress. One pilot was severely injured, while the co-pilot and four passengers had also sustained injuries and were calling for help. The rescuers' initial attempt to extract the critically injured pilot through a broken emergency window proved futile. "The other pilot guided us, telling us to use the main exit door instead," Shankar explained. Working together, they carefully pulled out the injured couple, both pilots, and the other two passengers.
ASHA Worker's Crucial Role in the Rescue
Maneka Singh, a 41-year-old Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) from Kainser, also witnessed the crash while fetching water. "I saw the plane flying very low, hit a high-tension wire, and then fall," she said. Without a second thought, she sprinted to the location. By the time she arrived, the rescue was already underway, and she actively joined the effort to free the trapped individuals.
The situation was fraught with danger. One of the pilots warned the rescuers about fuel leaking from the aircraft's wing, raising fears of a potential fire. Ignoring the risk to their own safety, the locals focused on completing the evacuation. "We were just thinking about saving lives," said Shankar, who lives merely 50 metres from where the plane came down.
Aftermath and Community Effort
Once all six occupants were safely out of the aircraft, the villagers swiftly coordinated the next steps. They immediately informed the local police and called for ambulances. Shankar Lohar personally accompanied the injured to the hospital. The rescue team included Shankar, his brother Shiv (45), his son Sahil Lohar, and numerous other local youths and women.
The collective and brave effort ensured that all victims received prompt medical attention. "I am happy to know their condition is stable now," Shankar added, reflecting the relief of the entire village. Maneka Singh echoed this sentiment, stating her happiness that all lives were saved. This incident in Sundargarh district highlights how the alertness and selflessness of ordinary citizens can prevent a major disaster, turning a potential tragedy into a story of hope and human solidarity.
